And then, there’s the fact that fibroids tend to run in families. So, if more Black women already have fibroids, and they pass them onto their daughters, it makes sense that the number of Black women with fibroids will continue to grow.

Black women may also feel the impact of certain symptoms, like bloating. Bloating can make you feel, and even look, like you’ve gained weight—even if you haven’t.

And according to a 2013 study, compared to other women, Black women are more likely to feel self-conscious about weight gain, and the size and appearance of their stomach.

’Broids And Babymaking

Since fibroids live in the oven (uterus), it’s not surprising that they can cause trouble with the baking (babymaking).

The exact reason is unclear, but fibroids can cause infertility in some women. And, about 5 to 10% of infertile women have at least one fibroid.

Why Is This A Black Women Problem?

First, let’s talk about the babymaking issue.

It’s not necessarily that Black women with fibroids have a higher risk of infertility than white women with fibroids. However, race can still make a difference in starting (or growing) a family.

Black women tend to get fibroids earlier than other women. While many women develop fibroids in their 30s or later, Black women often develop them in their late 20s—right in the prime time of trying to get pregnant.

Black women are also less likely to use fertilization treatments (like in vitro fertilization) for reasons ranging from the expensive cost to not being able to get time off work for treatments, to trouble finding the right physician.

We also have the higher risk of problems in pregnancy, like needing a Cesarean-section or having placental abruption. These are already higher in Black women, so it’s no fun to throw in the fibroids.

Farewell, Fibroids—Maybe

If your fibroids aren’t causing any symptoms, you might not need treatment. If fibroids are causing pain—but it’s mild—you may be able to take some over-the-counter painkillers as needed, and call it a day.

When fibroids do start causing symptoms or interfering with your daily life, it may be time to start other treatments.

Some of the most common treatments include:

Birth control pills to prevent heavy bleeding

Medication to shrink fibroids

Myomectomy to remove fibroids without removing healthy tissue in the uterus (good if you want to get pregnant later)

Hysterectomy to remove the uterus (only way to guarantee the fibroids are gone, but makes it impossible to get pregnant)

Endometrial ablation to remove or destroy the lining of the uterus, in order to control very heavy bleeding (also makes it impossible to get pregnant)

Why Is This A Black Women Problem?

Treatment can work. It can shrink fibroids or remove them completely. It can relieve symptoms. But Black women are much more hesitant to actually get treatment.

Black women tend to wait over a year longer than white women before getting treatment. They also tend to report that fibroids interfere with daily life and social activities more than white women.

This may be partly because Black women are often more concerned about the effects of treatments than white women. They’re more likely to be nervous about post-op pain, scarring, and the permanence of certain treatments.

There is also a historical component. For decades, Black women in the U.S. underwent forced sterilizations. The government coerced them into having procedures which would leave them unable to bear children, often without their full knowledge or consent.

While forced sterilization is no longer legal in the U.S., its legacy remains, making it hard for some Black women to trust physicians and the medical system.

This is completely understandable—but building that trust in the medical system can you help you get treatment, so you can overcome conditions like fibroids.

Guess what? Fibroids don’t have to control your life. Talk to your physician ASAP if you’re concerned about fibroids.